In recent months, Shemetricia Jones of Atlanta experienced a distressing reality that many caregivers in the United States can relate to. Her mother, who had dementia, faced a lack of assistance and support, leading to frustration, isolation, and ultimately tragedy. While Georgia has made strides to improve care for those with dementia, significant challenges remain regarding cost, healthcare worker shortages, and limited access to specialists.

Jones had desperately sought help for her 58-year-old mother but found her calls unanswered. She reached out to the police when her mother wandered into the neighborhood, only to be threatened with arrest. A crisis hotline informed her that her mother did not qualify for assistance, and her attempts to secure Medicaid coverage proved futile. Tragically, just one week after the interview, Jones' mother passed away in her sleep, the cause still unknown.

The lack of expertise and access to dementia care is not unique to Georgia but a national concern. Reports have indicated that a small percentage of older adults are properly screened for memory loss symptoms, reflecting a general lack of understanding about dementia among the public. Dr. Jim Lah, an associate professor for the Department of Neurology at Emory University School of Medicine, clarified that dementia encompasses various conditions that cause a decline in cognitive functioning, including Alzheimer's disease.

Georgia grapples with a scarcity of neurologists specializing in dementia, with only a handful available. Emory's Integrated Memory Care Clinic houses most of these specialists, leaving primary care doctors responsible for diagnosing patients. However, the overwhelming demand for services means that access to care is a considerable challenge. The cost of dementia care presents another barrier, as Medicaid does not cover certain intensive services.

To address these issues, the state Legislature allocated funds in 2017 for the creation of Georgia Memory Net. This program, a collaboration between the state and Emory University, focuses on training physicians to screen for dementia and collecting data to support affected individuals. Georgia Memory Net has established Memory Assessment Clinics across the state, and telehealth options have been expanded. Each Area Agency on Aging now has a dementia care specialist, further increasing support.

Despite these efforts, the workforce shortage in healthcare remains a significant obstacle. Many healthcare workers left their positions due to low pay and high stress during the pandemic, exacerbating the crisis. Nancy Pitra, the director of government affairs for the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter, emphasized the need for more providers and highlighted the ongoing workforce shortage.

There is cause for optimism, however, as new drugs that may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease are entering the market. Early identification of Alzheimer's has shown promise in utilizing these drugs effectively. Emory University, in collaboration with the clinics, aims to administer these drugs, but implementation will take time.

Georgia's efforts in dementia care have caught the attention of other states seeking advice on implementing similar programs. Dr. Lah believes that Georgia has established the most effective statewide program in the country, but acknowledges that there is still much work to be done.

In the face of these challenges, the Alzheimer's Association offers a free helpline available around the clock. Specialists and clinicians provide confidential support and information to individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and their loved ones. For assistance, contact (800) 272-3900.

While Georgia continues to make progress in improving dementia care, it is crucial to address the barriers that prevent effective access and support for those in need. The urgency of this matter underscores the necessity for increased funding, expanded healthcare services, and a dedicated focus on dementia care across the nation.